PAGADIAN CITY, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR --
A wide-ranging program jointly undertaken by the Philippine Government
and the United Nations Multi-Donor Group will launch here today a resource
and learning center for peace and development workers in the province.

MANILA, April 15 (AFP) - Philippine
negotiators are hoping for a peace treaty with Muslim separatists by the
end of the year that will deny sanctuary to Al-Qaeda-linked militants allegedly
hiding in rebel camps in the south, an official said Thursday.

The Federation's mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity. It is the world's largest humanitarian organization and its millions of volunteers are active in over 181 countries.
In Brief

Appeal No. 03/04; Operations Update no. 1; Period covered: 07 January 2004 to 31 March 2004; Appeal coverage: 42%; Operations Update no.2 due on 30 April 2004 (click here to go directly to the attached Contributions List, also available on the website).